A/N: The title from this fic comes from the song of the same name by *NSYNC. I hope you guys enjoy another installment of Liam & Grace's story :)

P.S. I decided that it was better to make this a multi-shot. You guys will see part 2 soon :)

"Mom, it's gonna be embarrassing," Liam complained as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Emma refrained from rolling her eyes before she told him, "I'm not gonna be in the way, kid. I just want to be there."

"But why?" the 18-year-old asked, still no less annoyed.

With a deep breath, Emma then explained, "This is a very big deal for you. Can you blame me for wanting to share some of it with you?"

Liam took a few minutes to consider his mother's words. He then sighed and relented, "Okay, you can come with me."

He then paused and added, "Just don't be all, like, super mushy and stuff."

Emma shook her head before she assured him, "I won't, Liam." She then grinned and added, "Just be glad I'm not like Aunt Mary Margaret."

Liam couldn't help but roll his eyes before he and his mom stepped out of the yellow bug.

As they were walking toward the mall entrance, Liam spoke, "Thanks for driving me up here, Mom."

Emma smiled as she responded, "Sure thing, kid." She then shrugged and added, "I had to run up here anyway to get the oil changed in my car since Jesse's out of town."

Liam nodded before he spoke, "Besides, I'll need my gas to make the trip to New York." He then looked over at his mother and tilted his head before he asked, "How'd you get Dad to agree to that anyway?"

The blonde couldn't help but chuckle at that before she pointed out, "You know he's gotten better with being so overprotective."

She then paused and added, "Besides, we both knew that you'd follow Grace to New York as soon as you got the chance."

Liam couldn't help but scratch behind his ear as he spoke, "I was that obvious, huh?"

Emma smiled as she told him, "Subtly is not your strong suit, kid. But it does make things more interesting," before nudging his shoulder.

The dark-haired teenager only shrugged before he defended, "It's not like I can help it. It's just the way I am."

"That you are," the blonde agreed before Liam opened the door to the mall for his mom.

The jewelry store was the first one on the left, and Liam made his way in with Emma right behind him.

The 18-year-old made his way over to a counter while Emma settled at another counter that was just close enough but not too close.

A young woman came over to Liam and asked, "How can I help you?" with a smile.

He scratched behind his ear as he answered, "I special ordered a promise ring in here last week. I got an email yesterday saying it was ready."

The woman nodded before she told him, "If I can just have your name, please," placing her fingers on the keyboard of the laptop that on the desk below the desk.

"Liam Jones," he answered, desperately trying to keep the nerves out of his voice.

The woman nodded before she began typing away. A few moments later, she told him, "The ring is indeed ready. Let me just look down here."

She then began searching one of the drawers within the desk. She soon pulled out a red velvet ring box.

"And here it is," the woman announced with a smile before handing over the box.

Liam's nerves faded as he took the box and opened it to see the ring. He smiled brightly as he spoke, "Man, she's gonna love this."

"I believe she will, too," the woman offered with a smile. She then asked him, "And how will you be purchasing this lovely ring?"

Liam didn't take his eyes off the ring as he answered, "Debit card." He then managed to look up before he dug his wallet out of his back pocket.

As Liam was making the purchase, Emma was watching with a proud smile. She then happily mumbled, "He really is growing up."

She was pulled from her reverie when she heard someone ask, "Can I help you, Miss?"

Emma then looked over at the older man and answered, "Oh, no. I'm just with my son. He's picking up a promise ring for his girlfriend."

"That's rather sweet of him," the man observed with a smile. He then looked around the store before he motioned with his head and spoke, "Is he the young man in the Letterman jacket?"

Emma couldn't help but smile as she said, "That's him." She then noticed he was finishing up and added, "It looks like he's finished."

The man nodded before he told her, "I hope you have a nice day."

"Thank you," Emma offered before she wished the same for him. He nodded before he went to assist a customer.

Liam then walked over before he asked, "Can we get something to eat before you get your oil changed?"

The blonde tilted her head as she pointed out, "We'll be home before dinner, kid. You can't wait a couple more hours?"

The teenager sighed before her resigned, "Yeah, I guess." As they began walking, he asked, "Can we at least get some hot chocolate?"

With a shake of her head, Emma said, "You know I can't say no to hot chocolate."

Liam grinned as he replied, "Yeah, I do," before he began to laugh.

Emma rolled her eyes at him in response. The two of them then headed toward the food court.

Just as they gotten in line at Starbucks, Liam saw a couple of his friends waving him over. He then asked, "Hey, Mom, is it cool if I go talk to Andrew and Cole?"

"Sure, kid. Go ahead," Emma answered. Liam nodded before he walked off.

He greeted his friends with a fist bump before Cole asked him, "You coming to the game up here Saturday?"

Liam shook his head before he spoke, "I'm gonna go surprise Grace this weekend for our anniversary."

Andrew and Cole both nodded before the former asked, "You guys have been official for what, like, two years?"

Liam nodded before Cole added, "It just feels like longer because they were crushing on each other forever."

With a chuckle, Andrew then said, "You know, dude, he actually does have a point."

Though Liam knew his friends knew his friends were right, he still rolled his eyes in response.

Cole shook his head at the gesture before he asked, "You get her a present?"

The dark-haired teenager nodded before he pulled the ring box from his jacket pocket.

"Woah, man, I know you're crazy about her, but do really think you're ready to marry her?" Cole pointed out.

"It's a promise ring, you dork," Liam told him before he pulled out the ring to show them.

They studied it for a few moments before Andrew surmised, "I have to say, Liam, I think that Grace is gonna be pretty excited."

"I think she will be, too," Liam said, a bright smile forming across his features.

Andrew couldn't help but smile for his friend before Cole interjected, "I hate to, you know, break the mood, but what exactly is a promise ring for?"

Liam took a breath before he explained, "It's a promise to always be there and to always love her, no matter what."

"Well, good luck with that," Cole began. He then ran his fingers through his hair and continued, "I mean, Becky's really cool, but I don't know that I'm ready to buy a ring."

Liam resisted the urge to scratch behind his ear before Andrew told him, "Don't listen to him. You and Grace have been together for a long time, and she's the only girl you've ever thought about."

Liam nodded before Cole added, "Just to be clear, I do think it's pretty cool that you and Grace are that serious."

"I got it, dude. I'm used to you ragging on me," Liam replied with a shrug.

Andrew - and Cole - couldn't help but chuckle just before Emma walked over. She then addressed her son's friends: "You guys ready to play a good game next week?"

"Totally. Those Knights won't know what hit them," Cole triumphantly declared.

Emma smiled before she offered, "Well, I'll be there cheering you guys on."

The teenage boys smiled before Emma asked Liam, "You ready to head over to get my oil changed?"

He nodded before he told his friends, "I'll catch you guys later. Let me know the score of the game."

"Will do," Cole told him before Andrew added, "Good luck with the ring."

Liam nodded before the guys went on their way. He and Emma then headed back toward the mall entrance.

She then commented, "I noticed you showing Grace's ring to Andrew and Cole," before she asked, "Mind if I take a look at it?"

Liam nodded before he pulled the ring box from his pocket. He opened the box before he handed it to his mother.

She couldn't help but smile as she studied the ring. She told him, "It's really beautiful, Liam. She's really gonna love it."

As she handed it back to him, she added, "I really like how you put you guys' birthstones in it."

"Yeah - I thought that it'd be pretty cool," Liam acknowledged with a smile.

Emma smiled back before she spoke, "I guess your dad and I's suggestion about taking a job with Marco was a good one, huh?" her smile changing to grin.

Liam just shrugged before he spoke, "I mean, I was glad to help out Marco, and, like, get experience. The fact that I was able to buy the ring is just a bonus."

"I can't say I'm too surprised by any of that, kid," Emma told him before she tried to ruffle his hair.

He pushed her hand away as he complained, "Why do you always do that, Mom?"

"Sorry, kid. It's just a habit - but I know you're a little old for that now," Emma began with a sigh. She then continued, "You've really grown up, Liam."

The dark-haired teenager scratched behind his ear before he spoke, "Aw, Mom, don't get all sappy - you're supposed to be the cool one."

"I just can't help it. More than just you graduating high school, you're taking such a huge step with Grace - I'm proud of you, but it's hard," Emma admitted, shoving her hands in her pockets.

Liam ran his fingers through his hair before he tried to reassure her, "It's not like I'm actually going anywhere right now. And even when I do, I'll come back."

He took a breath before he added, "And with Grace, I'm pretty positive I've been in love with her since I was 14. Maybe even earlier."

Emma couldn't help but chuckle at that before she agreed, "Yeah, you have." She then paused and added, "Just do me a favor and don't rush trading in that promise ring. Just enjoy being young and in love."

Liam offered her a half-smile as he told her, "I think I can manage that."

Emma smiled at him in response before they both arrived at the yellow bug. They both got in and headed to the auto-shop.

That evening after dinner, Killian, Emma, and Liam were settled on the couch. They were finishing Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

When Liam's favorite part came on - the epic battle between The Black Pearl and The Flying Dutchman - he was uncharacteristically quiet as he flipped the lid to the ring box open and closed.

Emma and Killian exchanged a worried look before the blonde asked, "Everything okay, Liam?"

The teenager looked up before he answered, "Yeah, I'm fine, Mom." He then looked down and continued messing with the ring box.

He then sighed, prompting Killian to ask, "Are you sure that everything is alright, lad?"

"Totally," Liam spoke with a smile that wasn't as convincing as he hoped. He then rubbed the back of his head and said, "I'm gonna head to my room and play some video games."

"But the movie isn't even over, kid," Emma pointed out.

With a shrug, the teenager simply replied, "I've seen it before." He didn't give anyone a chance to reply as he got up and headed to his room.

When he shut the door, Emma and Killian both sighed before the dark-haired man perceived, "Do you think his mood has anything with the ring? I noticed that he was rather preoccupied with it."

Emma ran her fingers through her hair before she told him, "He seemed fine in the store - he was so excited when he saw it. He was a little quiet on the way home, but it wasn't anything unusual." She then took a breath and admitted, "But his mind did seem to be somewhere else during the movie."

"Aye, love. Perhaps he's realized that this promise ring is a rather huge commitment, and he's getting cold feet," Killian suggested, as he ran his fingers through his wife's hair.

The blonde simply nodded before she surmised, "I know how much he loves her - we both do - but this is a huge step. I think he just needs some reassurance."

Killian kissed her forehead before he offered, "Allow me, Swan. I remember being slightly terrified about going on the road with Milah."

Emma couldn't help but smile before she pressed a soft kiss against his lips. When they pulled away, Killian asked, "Not that I'm complaining, love, but what was that for?"

The blonde smiled once more as she answered, "I'm just proud of you. I know none of this is easy for you - hell, it isn't easy for me - but I think you're really seeing that our kids have grown up."

Killian offered a small smile as he told her, "I can't help but be proud of them - they've grown into quite remarkable people. I didn't want to miss that because I was stuck in the past."

He then cupped one of her cheeks with his hand and assured her, "And we'll both make sure that Liam gets through this."

Emma smiled at him before she kissed him once more, threading her fingers through his hair. When they pulled away, Killian got up and headed to their son's room.

He then called through the door, "Can I come in, lad?" He heard Liam's barely audible reply of "fine," and opened the door.

The teenager was lying on his bed, looking up at the ceiling with a far-off expression. Killian sat down at the foot of the bed before he spoke, "I know that something is bothering you, Liam. Your mother and I are both worried about you."

Liam sat up before he began scratching behind his ear. He then covered, "I guess I'm just nervous about driving to New York," shrugging his shoulders.

Killian tilted his head as he pointed out, "I know it's the first trip you're making by yourself, but you've had quite a bit of practice with us going to visit Emma's family."

"That doesn't mean I can't be nervous about it," Liam refuted, though it came out harsher than he intended.

He then ran his fingers through his hair and apologized, "Sorry, Dad. I guess this trip's getting to me."

Killian hummed in response. He considered his words before he carefully spoke, "I have a feeling that it's much more than the drive you're worried about, lad."

Liam shifted uncomfortably on the bed as his blue-green eyes looked everywhere but at his father. The teenager then tried to defend, "I don't know what you mean. The drive is all that's bothering me."

Killian sighed in response. He then took a breath and offered, "You know you can talk to me about anything."

Liam only played with a string on his jacket as he spoke, "I know, Dad. But I'm fine. Really."

The dark-haired man ran his hand over his face at his son's response. Killian knew that it was a combination of Liam's nervousness over the situation and his inclination to be stubborn, but that didn't make it any less worrisome.

Knowing it was best to just let Liam come around on his own, Killian stood up and spoke, "When you're ready to talk about what's really bothering you, I'll be here. So will your mother."

Killian then began making his way to the door. He stopped at the sound of his son's voice.

"I'll tell you, but it's probably dumb."

As Killian turned back around, he reassured, "Your feelings could never be dumb, lad."

Liam offered a small smile just before his father sat back down on the bed. The teenager took a deep breath before he admitted, "I'm nervous about giving this ring to Grace."

"That much I gathered," Killian told him. He then took a breath and asked, "Do you know why?"

Liam slowly nodded before he posed, "What if she doesn't want it?"

Killian tilted his head as he surmised, "That's what you're nervous about? You think she wouldn't want the ring?"

With a nod, Liam then explained, "I know we love each other, and we want a future together, but what if it's too soon for a promise ring? I mean, she has three years of school left, and I have two years starting in the fall. Maybe this whole thing is just dumb."

He huffed and crossed his arms as he looked down. He then grabbed and pillow and chunked it across the room.

An empathetic look formed across Killian's features. He took a deep breath as he thought about what he could say.

He then asked his son, "Liam, why did you want to get the promise ring for Grace?"

The teenage boy looked up wearing a confused expression. He then repeated, "Why did I get the ring?"

Killian nodded before Liam took on a thoughtful expression.

After a few minutes of silence, Liam answered, "I wanted to get the ring to show Grace how much she means to me. And to promise that I'll always love her and be there for her."

He took a deep breath and scratched behind his ear as he finished, "And to one day talk about getting married."

As much as Killian had accepted the fact that Liam had grown up, having him talk about marriage was almost too much.

He then shook his head from those thoughts. He took a breath before he reassured, "None of that has to change, Liam. I can pretty much guarantee that Grace would love for you to give her that ring. Wasn't she the one who helped you see that you two could still be together even though she was leaving?"

Liam tilted his head as he thought over his father's words. After a few minutes, he conceded, "Yeah, she did. She really believed we could make it work," a smile making its way on his face.

He then rubbed the back of his head and spoke, "I just don't want to look - or sound - stupid."

"Why would you think you would, lad?" Killian then asked.

With a sigh, the teenager replied, "Because it really is such a huge step I'm taking with Grace - as everyone wants to point out - and I'm afraid I'll screw it up."

He then buried his face in his hands and groaned. He looked back up when he felt his father squeeze his shoulder.

Killian then reassured him, "Listen, lad, I understand why you're nervous. A few months after I graduated high school, I had fallen in love with Milah, and we wanted to travel together. That itself is a commitment."

Liam rested his chin on his hand as he considered his dad's words. He then conceded, "I guess you make a good point."

Killian then tilted his head as he perceived, "Why do I feel like there's a but coming on?"

The teenager sighed before he said, "I know you guys loved each other, but you two didn't plan on being really settled."

"Hmm," Killian began with a thoughtful expression. He then conceded, "You are right, lad."

Liam's face and his entire body slumped as he once more began messing with the string on his jacket.

The dark-haired man ran his fingers through his hair as he thought about how he could reassure his son.

A small smile erupted on his face as it hit him. He took a breath before he spoke, "You know, lad, I was rather nervous about proposing to Emma."

Liam rolled his eyes before he looked up and refuted, "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Actually, I'm not," Killian told him. A look that was one part confused and another part curious overtook Liam's features, and Killian then continued, "I was madly in love with Emma, and I knew she felt the same; we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. Yet, there was a part of me that was still worried."

"About what?" Liam questioned, now fully invested in this story.

"The same thing as you," Killian stated before he elaborated, "We had only been dating, well, officially," pausing to chuckle, making Liam as chuckle as well. Killian then continued, "For a few months. We may have been best friends, and we knew just about everything about one another, but there was still a part of me that was rather nervous about making that kind of commitment."

"How'd you get through it?" Liam then asked, resting his chin back on his hand.

Killian smiled as he answered, "I just thought about all the reasons I was in love with your mother and all the reasons I wanted her to my wife. That helped me overcome any fears I had about marriage."

A slow smile made its way on Liam's face. He then spoke, "That's actually really helpful. I am crazy about Grace, and I want her to know that there really is no one else that I'd rather spend my future with."

Killian smiled at his son as he clapped him on the shoulder. He then told him, "See lad? Everything is gonna be fine."

"Yeah, it will be. Thanks, Dad," Liam replied, his smile growing.

Killian smiled back just as Emma came and leaned against the door frame.

She smiled as she surmised, "I'm guessing that everything is alright, now?"

Liam nodded before he spoke, "Yeah, Mom." He paused before addressing both of his parents: "Sorry I worried you guys. I didn't mean to."

"Oh, kid, it's fine. Don't even worry about it - I know you were worried about all of this," Emma assured him, as she came to sit down on the bed.

Killian then added, "We were glad to help you through it."

Liam nodded once more before he ran his fingers through his dark hair. He then admitted, "I could probably be less stubborn about saying what's wrong."

Emma and Killian smiled and shook their heads before he spoke, "You get that from your mother, lad."

She rolled her eyes before she slapped his arm. He feigned being seriously hurt as he rubbed his bicep.

Liam couldn't help but laugh at his parents before he told them, "You guys are such dorks."

Despite the fact that Emma and Killian both knew that their son was right, they couldn't help the laughs that came out.

"I suppose we can't rightfully argue," Killian pointed out before nudging Emma's shoulder. She offered him a smile in response.

Liam's phone then started to ring, the sound of Nickelback's "Never Gonna Be Alone" filling the room.

He then explained, "That's Grace. She wants to video chat."

Emma and Killian both nodded before they stood up from the bed. The blonde grinned and spoke, "Little does she know that she's gonna see you in a couple of days."

Liam offered a smile in return before Emma and Killian filed out of the room.

When the two of them had settled on the couch, Emma rested her head on Killian's shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. She lifted her head slightly so he could wrap his arms around her as well.

As soon as she had settled back in against his side, he kissed her forehead.

He then surmised, "Thinking about how much our son has grown?"

Emma nodded against him before she looked up and spoke, "He really has. It's hard, but I love seeing him so happy about giving Grace a promise ring."

"Aye, Swan. I do rather think that she'll be quite excited about it," Killian said. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he added, "He's really in this for the long haul, isn't he?"

Emma nodded before she spoke, "They both are. They can't see themselves ever being with anyone else."

Killian nodded as well before he kissed her forehead once more. A small smile appeared on his face as he spoke, "I think they'll be alright."

"Yeah, they will be," Emma agreed with a smile of her own.

She then leaned up to kiss his cheek before they both settled in to finish Pirates of the Caribbean.